Bobby Hitt of the S.C. Department of Commerce states it succinctly: “The bottom line is this. We run a customizable state. We look for strong companies, provide them with the resources they need, and let them conduct business as they see fit. We make sure South Carolina is just right for all of our companies, and it works. In South Carolina, business is part of our culture.”

Jim Newsome of the South Carolina Ports Authority knows that the state’s economic development efforts are aggressively growing its port freight base; the momentum generated is creating new opportunities and driving new investments. He agrees with Bobby Hitt: “It’s the Port of Charleston and its system of ports, highways and railroads that become a statement to the world that South Carolina gets it.”

“With all the success that South Carolina is experiencing having recruited many new corporations, such as BMW, Boeing, Mercedes and Volvo,” says Spirit Communications CEO Bob Keane, “it is essential that the communications infrastructure support these and other firms. We deliver on that promise by engineering fast, reliable and secure solutions.”

York Technical College CEO Greg Rutherford and Marc Tarplee in business services agree there’s been a resurgence in the manufacturing sector: “In the next 15 years, most jobs created will require a two-year degree. Manufacturers are looking for skilled employees; that’s our bread and butter. In addition to creating a skilled workforce, we can leverage our resources to attract companies.”

“Building systems are our business,” says MSS Solutions CEO Hunter Edwards. “We’re driven by our clients’ needs, and we can tailor-fit a solution, whether it’s a new project or an existing building. Our mission is to be the single source provider of comprehensive facility solutions, meaning that our customers have one partner for all of their facility needs.”